Man released after Staunton gun drama

A MAN who allegedly threatened Steve Staunton at gunpoint has been released from garda custody.

It is believed the 31-year-old, who is accused of pointing an imitation firearm at the Irish soccer team manager, has apologised to the soccer boss through gardaí.

It is understood he has a history of psychiatric problems.

A file on the case is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Despite a number of searches in the area, the weapon — reported to be a plastic imitation Uzi sub-machine gun — has not been found.

Mr Staunton, 37, was approached by a gunman outside the team’s hotel in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, at 7.30pm Monday evening as they returned from a training session.

The manager fled inside the hotel and the suspect was arrested on a beach nearby and detained at Malahide Garda Station.

Mr Staunton, who was made manager in January, is now focusing on the Republic of Ireland’s match against Holland at Lansdowne Road tonight.

The game will be Mr Staunton’s third at the helm before the team embarks on a difficult qualification campaign for the European Championships in 2008.

At a press conference yesterday, Mr Staunton refused to talk about the specifics of the drama that unfolded last night.

“It’s over with,” he said. “There was no harm done.

“From my point of view, I would like to thank our security team. They were excellent in the job they did, along with the hotel staff and the gardaí who responded very quickly.

“I was delighted with all that. Now we’re back to the real issue of why we are all here.

“I’m looking forward to a very exciting game tomorrow with the young squad we have, with an energetic and lively display.”